SUE PERKINS SAYS SHE WONT TRAVEL TO SOME COUNTRIES FOR SAFETY

Beverley Lyons 

FORMER Bake off presenter Sue Perkins claims she has been asked to go to Iran, Iraq and Saudi for telly work - but won’t go because she’s a gay woman. 

Sue was speaking at Edinburgh Book Festival when she revealed she refused to travel to the countries which would put her in personal danger. 

She said: “I’ve been offered of late some dangerous places to go to for tv.
“I don’t think there is anywhere that ethically I’d find difficult because I would challenge it.
“I’d have no problem in going into difficult regimes or places and posing questions.
But increasingly, and it’s an age thing, I’ve bewilderingly at this stage in life become quite fond of personal safety and I’ve always been very very reckless, very very cavalier.
I’ve been offered to go to Iran, Iraq, and Saudi, and I’ve said no because as a gay woman it would be, for me, too dangerous. I’d love to go because there are so many questions I have and people I’d like to meet.”

Sue who has written a book about her experiences in Cambodia called East of Croydon, also revealed her next telly travel show will see her travelling to Mexico. 

She added: “We’re going to Mexico - we’re not touching hugely on cartel land but there are some cartel issues and I belt and braces check I’m going to be safe, because what’s the point of me not being safe? What you as a viewer are looking at is a presenter who is stressed, not some interesting Mexican people.

My job is to show you interesting Mexican people.  

The presenter also revealed she considered adopting a Kolkatan child with her partner Naked attraction star Anna Richardson in 2017. 

The presenter, who has since sponsored Rakhi, who she met while making a show about street kids - and got Rakhi into boarding school so she is looked after for the rest of her life said: “It’s too dark for me to discuss here but it was one of the most profoundly painful things I’ve been through  in life. Had she been orphaned I used to have dreams of adopting her. Every night she would have been most welcome in my spare room.”

JOE SUGGS AND DIANNE BUSWELL MOVE IN TOGETHER AHEAD OF STRICTLY

Beverley Lyons
JOE Suggs and his Strictly dance partner Dianne Buswell have announced they have officially moved in together.
The loved up pair who began dating after falling for one another on last years Strictly show where they teamed up as dance partners, shared the news on Joe’s YouTube channel today.
Joe surprised Diane with a wrapped gift and a note which she read out To his followers.
She read: “I have officially invited you to live in my humble abode with me. What does that mean?”
After Joe admitted he knew she wouldn’t understand the wording she read out the next line ... which said: “Do you want to move in with me? Yes or No. circle your choice. All my love Joseph.”
A thrilled Diane announced: “Oh well that’s very cute. Can I phone a friend?”before Joe told her: “No you can’t.”

When she decided to circle no initially, Joe suggested jokingly she. Goth like to sling her hook.
The pair then were seen snuggling together as Diane opened his gift with Joe saying: “It’s a little moving in gift. We’re officially roommates.”
Joe presented Dianne with a 3D picture of them both dressed in cartoon style versions of their outfits in Blackpool.
Diane enthused: “That’s so cute. I’m going to keep this for the rest of my life.”
A thrilled Joe said: “Welcome to my house officially. That means now you’ve got to cook me dinner for least a month. Chapter 14 has begun. We’re off to consummate the moving in.”

The loved up duo will be touring next year following Dianne’s  appearances on the new series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
From Scotland with Love 

LEWIS CAPALDI SHOWS OFF TALENT DURING NAKED LOFE CLASS

Beverley Lyons
LEWIS Capaldi wasn’t sure of where to look as he took part in a hilarious life drawing class with Capital radios Roman Kemp.
The Someone You Loved hitmaker admitted he was flustered as he came eye to eye with life model Michael’s bits and bobs during the session.
As six foot tall Michael walked in wearing just a towel round his modesty, Lewis who wore an artist’s black berry for the occasion, said : ”Alright mate, how’s it going?”
After he whipped it off, Lewis looked up from preparing his paint palette, shook his head and laughed nervously: “I can see why you are a lifedrawing model. I’m all flustered, just cause mine doesn’t look like that. There you go. Good for you mate, good for you I have to say. I’ll start with the face obviously.”
Asked by Roman what it felt like having a number one album, Lewis said: “I’d imagine it’s a very similar feeling to what I’d feel like if my penis was that size. I don’t know what I’ve f***ing drawn here to be honest.”

As Lewis tried to talk about his witty Instagram posts and time on the Late Show in America, he was distracted saying: “I just can’t stop looking at your....good for you. Good for you. God. It’s still quite chilly in here as well and it’s still...Sorry, Is everyone’s like that or is it just me, what was I saying?”
Lewis said he was thrilled about Star Wars legend Mark Hamill posting on Instagram about his ‘incredible’ voice, and added: “Luke Skywalker, Look Skycocker.”
Lewis also said he feared there might one day be a bad headline about him going for a wee somewhere.
He said: “I’ll go for a pee somewhere and it’ll turn out to be somewhere like in a graveyard or something. Someone will be like, Lewis Capaldi pees against grave, like Lewis Capaldi has no respect for the dead kind of thing. That’s only because I’ve got a small penis. If I had that they’d be like, Lewis Capaldi pays his respects to the dead.”

During his six minute chat with Roman for the Capital Breakfast show Lewis looked intensely at the model.
He said: ”This last bits taking quite a while.
You know as well as I do what bits I’m focusing on now. I don’t have to do any hair so thanks for that.”
As Roman prepared the final reveal of their life drawing pictures to a ‘Big Bake Off moment’ Lewis said: “I’ve definitely ignored any facial features cause you don’t really need them when you’ve got...Does yours look like that?I’m so sorry. God I feel so inadequate”
Roman revealed his sketch, featuring a small appendage and compared Lewis sketch to a cave painting,
Lewis laughed: “Imagine finding this in the Maian ruins. This is ridiculous you can’t do Michael like that. I think I’ve just focused on what we can all agree was a penis. The Dick n Dom in the Bungalow, the Ant n Dec, Thr Chas and Dave was distracting. I can’t really remember what’s happened. All I know is that I was sat with Roman Kemp and there was a guy with a penis in here and it was out for some reason.”
Lewis is set to appear  in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens on August 13 and 14 and heads to the States in September. 

CORONATION STREET ACTRESS HELEN FLANAGAN AND STYLIST JAY BIRMINGHAM AT GLAM SQUAD

HELEN Flanagan has revealed that her best pal celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham styles her from his phone. 

Helen couldn’t wait to get her jammies on and watch Love Island Reunion after putting on the style at Glasgow’s Glamsquad event on Sunday. 

The Corrie star and model was thrilled after her best friend Jay Birmingham presented a slot at the hair, make up and style show in Glasgow’s SWG3.
Helen said: “Jay is one of my best friends and he did absolutely amazing hosting Glamsquad which is one of the biggest events in Glasgow.
Jay said: “ There’s no other event of this kind that has so much talent on stage in one day. Helen and I met on Birmingham about seven years ago. Helen took me under her wing and I showed her the lights of Birmingham.”
Helen added: “Now Jay takes me under his wing.”
Jay joked: “I am Helens stylist, hairstylist, therapist, lifecoach.”Helen said: “If I am ever stuck about what to wear I always WhatsApp Jay loads and and he send me the links.”

Helen and Jay attended the event alongside Alexis Stone, Polly Marchant, Reuben de Made and Tatti Lashes. 
Jay said: “People are going less glam now and going more natural, wearing their hair a bit messy, with tracksuit bottoms. People go to events on tracksuits now. I think times are changing now.”
The two besties were planning a comfy night in following their glam day at the venue. Jay laughed: “We’re going to the rathole now. I’m staying at Helen’s house and I’m having my own bedroom this time.”

Helen added: “We’re just going to chill because Jay will be exhausted after this event. We’re going to put on comfies and watch Love Island.

HELEN FLANAGAN AND HER STYLE SECRET

HELEN Flanagan has revealed that her best pal celebrity hairdressers Jay Birmingham styles her from his phone. 

Helen couldn’t wait to get her jammies on and watch Love Island Reunion after putting on the style at Glasgow’s Glamsquad event on Sunday. 

The Corrie star and model was thrilled after her best friend Jay Birmingham presented a slot at the hair, make up and style show in Glasgow’s SWG3.
Helen said: “Jay is one of my best friends and he did absolutely amazing hosting Glamsquad which is one of the biggest events in Glasgow.
Jay said: “ There’s no other event of this kind that has so much talent on stage in one day. Helen and I met on Birmingham about seven years ago. Helen took me under her wing and I showed her the lights of Birmingham.”
Helen added: “Now Jay takes me under his wing.”
Jay joked: “I am Helens stylist, hairstylist, therapist, lifecoach.”
Helen said: “If I am ever stuck about what to wear I always WhatsApp Jay loads and and he send me the links.”
Helen and Jay attended the event alongside Alexis Stone, Polly Marchant, Reuben de Made and Tatti Lashes.
Jay said: “People are going less glam now and going more natural, wearing their hair a bit messy, with tracksuit bottoms. People go to events on tracksuits now. I think times are changing now.”
The two besties were planning a comfy night in following their glam day at the venue.
Jay laughed: “We’re going to the rathole now. I’m staying at Helen’s house and I’m having my own bedroom this time.”
Helen added: “We’re just going to chill because Jay will be exhausted after this event. We’re going to put on comfies and watch Love Island.

GLASGOW’S THE DHABBA GOES FOR MINI DISHES ON NEW MENU

Glasgow’s Dhabba restaurant is launching a brand new tapas style Small Bowl menu. 
The North Indian venue in Glasgow’s Candleriggs is introducing Laghu Kund to its discerning customers from Sunday July 21. 
The menu is designed for groups of diners who want to sample a whole load of dishes or curious individuals who want to try out more than one dish.
Owner Navdeep Basi said: “Small plate menus offer a greater choice for customers and can lead to a more communal dining experience too. You can order one of two dishes with a drink or go all out with five or six bowls for full on dining. Everything on our menu is cooked freshly to order and we wanted people to be able to try some new dishes as well as old favourites. We had fun making a little promo video to go along with it although obviously our small bowls are a bit larger than the ones we made for the video.” 

On the new Laghu Kund (Small Bowl) menu you can try anything from Street Food dishes like Koliwada Jheenga with crispy king prawns, Hariyali Mokal with basil and lemon chicken and Dahi Bhalla lentil dumplings to Seafood like Rasedar Macchli Seabass fillet and Ajwaini Macchli Scottish monkfish. 

The restaurant also has a whole lamb section with delights like Laal Maas including red chillis, onions and poppy seeds and Paneer, Chicken and Vegetarian sections to the menu. 

Diners can then choose accompanying breads, rice, salads and pickles to complement their dishes. 

Bowls range in price from £3.45 to £9.95 and Dhabba’s kitchen is nut free with some gluten free options too.

WATCH OWEN PAUL FALL OFF STAGE AT EIGHTIES FESTIVAL

Beverley Lyons 

EIGHTIES Star Owen Paul cracked his ribs, sprained his wrist and lost his memory when he fell off the stage and plunged six feet head first onto the ground at a festival last weekend. 
And the My Favourite Waste of Time singer  who hit fame with the catchy song in 1986 claims that time slowed down as he fell to the ground with an almighty thud three songs into his performance at Tropicana Nights Eighties Festival in Southend. 
Glasgow born Owen, who is now out of hospital where he had scans, x rays and treatment following the incident said he was trying to stand on a speaker to get nearer the audience when he realised too late that it wasn’t supported by anything. 
He said: “Everything seemed to be in slow motion so I knew I was in trouble. .when I had expected to be be standing freely on a speaker. Then of course I hit the ground full in the face with an almighty thud..then the slow motion was gone. I used my superpowers lol.”
Remarkably, Owen who fractured two ribs during the fall continued singing his song Crowded House’s Weather With You as his manager and backing singer Lynne watched on in amazement. 


He said: ”It wasn’t sore at all in the thirty or so minutes during the rest of my show. I told my manager and backing vocalist on stage that I thought I had broken my ribs but that we should carry on. It wasn't until I was in the ambulance at the side of the stage that the pain arrived..such is adrenalin.”
“I actually have little or no recollection of anything afterwards until I saw the footage, but in reality it's probably the experience of thousands of gigs I've performed at since I was a teenager that made me react in such a way.”
Owen, who says he once fell of the stage in 1986  at the Manchester Apollo on his first UK tour and was grabbed at the time by the mainly teenage audience before security stepped in, was rushed straight to hospital by ambulance. 
Medics told him he could easily have broken his neck with the fall. 
He said: “I truly had no idea what had happened until I was shown the footage that the paramedics had seen which is why they were ready when I completed the show. I actually managed to sing another seven songs before I left the stage. My family thought it was quite funny and attention seeking until they saw what happened. .as my mum and the doctors said, I could easily have broken my neck and worse. Apparently I bounced off speakers a bit on the way down.I have no recollection of that. My bruised legs and back know I did though so I’m very lucky.”
Owen has found it excruciating to sing since the weekend but managed to fight through the pain to appear on stage again at Lets Rock Liverpool on Saturday. 

He said: “Clearly as my rib cage is right up against my lungs and diaphragm it’s  excruciating just to breathe never mind sing...but I will heal. I was lucky. Unfortunately I was due to perform at Hale Barns carnival the day after the fall, but I could neither speak sing, stand up sit down or anything without squealing lol true. .so we had to pull out. I have barely moved for days but have had visits from my children and friends etc..all that has cheered me up. I'm desperate to get all this out of the way so I can get on with completing my new Americana/country/folk album. I want to get back in the studio.”

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Daily Record 

From Scotland with Love - TheShowbizLion.com